BusinessWeek has a story at the moment on the economic chill sweeping the Paris tourism industry. They describe Paris as "the most visited city on earth" and say that the international economic down turn is "a catastrophe" for the city.
Airport arrivals were down 8% in February compared to last year. Hotel occupancy was down 10%.
Are there some deals available as a result? yes!
Some of the city's most exclusive eateries have introduced more affordable menu items and fixed-price meals. At the sumptuous Hotel Plaza Athénée in the swank Eighth Arrondissement, the Relais Plaza restaurant introduced a fixed-price dinner menu for $66, about half the average à la carte bill of $130, after suffering a 10% drop in clientele between December and March. "We're not worried about our future, but we are paying attention," a spokeswoman says.Midpriced restaurants also are feeling the pain, as patrons trade down to fast food and takeout sandwiches from the local bakery.
If you have the money and the time, Paris could be a bargain at the moment.
© stevenvanwel
April 20th, 2009 on 5:02 am
I think Paris will still remain one of the most visited city. The economic conditions may only lower the number of visitors but i don’t think it will influence its economy a lot.
April 28th, 2009 on 2:56 pm
Paris is an amazing town. Thanks for this post. My readers will love learning about the current bargains in Paris.
May 5th, 2009 on 9:45 am
I’ve just been writing an article for the Auto Europe blog about the European cities poll conducted by TripAdvisor.
Apparently nearly 2,400 travellers voted Paris the most over-rated and least friendly city in Europe. It’s still home to some of the most famous attractions on the planet, so I’m sure these statistics won’t cause too much alarm. But maybe the economic downturn will encourage more of us to consider some of the more hidden treasures Europe has to offer.